The collaboration with Mural Arts and Artwell is the second phase a mural to adorn the mosque since the transformation in the “Doorways to Peace” project in 2004. This new mural will be installed on the North wall on Germantown Avenue is called “Windows to Peace.” Art making will take place during the winter months and installation is planned for late Spring.

On Saturday, January 9th the event was very uplifting and engaging with volunteers from across the city joining us for an afternoon of tile making and mural painting. There were over 100 volunteers who came to dabble in paint and/or make a clay tiles. One of the main highlights of the day a visit by our newly appointed Mayor Kenney with members of the city council. The Mayor came to add his “personal touch” to the project as well as show his support to the local Muslim community in light of the criminal who shot a Philadelphia policer offer claiming to be in the name of Islam. We are grateful that he has stated, “It was an individual act of criminality. It was not an act of religion.”* We commend the mayor who speaks with a voice of reason to help reduce tension and the rise of Islamophobia in our city.

Jane Golden, Founder and Executive Director of Mural Arts does not always have the time to show up to the countless workshops she hosts across the city. However, she was on hand Saturday because she says “Al-Aqsa is one of my favorite mural projects! I use it in all my presentations because this project is very dear to my heart!” Cathy Harris from Mural Arts also brought extra staff, supplies and smocks to get everyone in gear. Lead artists Parris Stancell from Mural Arts was inspired by the Islamic Art on the building and while sticking to the theme, decided to try using bolder styles and colors on this installment. Parris states, “While researching Islamic colors I found the same colors being repeated, so I wanted to go with something different, more colorful and soulful.”

Susan Teegan, the Executive Director of Artwell, who has been a close community partner since 2002. She helped Al-Aqsa reach out to Mural Arts in 2003 for what has become the transformation of an old factory building into an extraordinary example of Islamic Art in Philadelphia. We are thankful to Susan who has pledged her time and support again to help make this next phase possible. Unfortunately, Susan fell ill on Saturday and could not make it but we felt her in spirit. Julia Katz Terry, Artwell Program Coordinator was on hand and provided an exercise on “What Windows of Peace look like” through a drawing and writing handout.

Joe Brenman, resident artist with Artwell and Mural Artwell, was cranking out clay tiles as he did 12 years ago. Standing along him was Fadwa Kashkash, our Arabic Calligraphy artist to design new tiles. As the three of us stood together again, it was a flashback of 2003. We admit that we have become a bit older looking at the children who have become young adults since the project! However, this time around we believe we are more experienced in what we are doing!

The Community Art-Making Day was a great opportunity for people to come into the mosque and work with members from the Muslim community as well as other volunteers from different faiths and backgrounds. We hope that these type of programs will continue to foster greater understanding between neighbors and community members.

Look for our next Community Painting Day on Saturday, January 30th 4-6 p.m. in the Al-Aqsa basement.

This vigil included spoken prayers from a rabbi, imam and pastor, expressing support for all refugees—and Muslims under siege in the media after terrorist attacks falsely attributed to Islam—and to end fear mongering and xenophobia rampant in our society.

There was time for silent prayer during the vigil, whereby the group walked and sang into the Ethical Society for the UNAGP program.

Sponsored by the Philadelphia Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation, Grannies for Peace, and New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia.

KENSINGTON (WPVI) — There was a message of unity Saturday at the Picnic for Solidarity at the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society. Hundreds of people of all faiths gathered for food, fellowship and understanding. The pot-luck gathering aimed to counter the anti-Islamic sentiment since the terror attacks in Paris and California.

Saturday School has started, but they are still taking registration for students up until October 28, 2017. Please come by the office (Through door by basketball court and office is first door to the left) by 11:45 to check for availability and register your child for classes. Please contact the Director Sis Nabila at 215 808-0137 for more information.

10% off! Use Promo Code: UPenn 4-Hour Weekend Workshop at University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (12:00pm-4:00pm) –Houston Hall Class date: (Saturday, October 28) Khalid Casado will hold a 4-hour workshop at University of Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 28. Beginner and advanced students will have the opportunity to learn arabic thuluth script from a master calligrapher. Open […]

Al-Aqsa Islamic Academy

Al-Aqsa Islamic Academy is a full-time private Islamic school offering classes from Kindergarten-10th grade. We aim to provide an Islamic environment for all students, enabling them to acquire academic excellence and Islamic morals to prepare them to become viable individuals able to meet the challenges of our changing world.Click for more information...

Al-Aqsa in the News

Arab American CDC

The Arab American CDC works with Al-Aqsa to help assist the community with various social services such as helping aquire low income utility assistance, government benefits, tax returns, immigration, legal services, youth programs, affordable housing and much more. The AACDC office is conveniently located in the mosque. For more information, contact office manager Amna Ahmad (215)765-0607 or visit www.arabamericancdc.org